The Manitoba government is establishing a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program for eligible municipalities, homeowners, farms, small businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by the 2023 spring flood.

“Our government is committed to helping Manitobans recover from the 2023 spring flood by providing financial assistance for uninsurable losses to basic and essential property,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “We continue to work with local authorities on response and recovery efforts and invite eligible Manitobans to apply for assistance.”

The minister noted the DFA program provides provincial assistance for certain disaster-related losses that meet three criteria:

  • damages from the event are widespread;
  • damages are mostly uninsurable; and
  • damages from the event represent a significant financial burden.

Municipalities, primary residences, farms, small businesses and non-profit organizations affected by this year’s spring flooding may apply to the DFA program. The deadline for applications is Oct. 30.

Manitobans are encouraged to check with insurance providers to review their policy coverage before applying for the DFA, said the minister, noting that insurable losses, such as sewer backup, are not covered by the program. Some Manitobans may have also purchased overland flood insurance, added Piwniuk.

The federal government may provide financial assistance to provincial and territorial governments through Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) following large-scale natural disasters. The anticipated DFA costs related to the 2023 spring flood are expected to meet the DFAA’s threshold for funding, the minister added.

When the Manitoba government establishes a DFA program that is eligible for cost-sharing with the federal government, municipalities have the option to opt into the Mitigation and Preparedness Program (MPP) to invest their cost-sharing amount into a mitigation or preparedness project. If an MPP is established for the 2023 spring flood, more information will be shared with eligible municipalities.

For more information about eligibility or to apply, visit manitoba.ca.